Computer Science Department

Mission Statement

The mission of the Computer Science Department at WPI is to provide outstanding education to its undergraduate and graduate students in accordance with the principles of the WPI mission, to advance scholarship in key domains of the computing sciences, and to engage in activities that improve the welfare of society and enhance the reputation of WPI. The Department aims to maintain an environment that promotes innovative thinking; values mutual respect and diversity; encourages and supports scholarship; instills ethical behavior; and engenders life-long learning.

Goals

The goals of the WPI Computer Science Program are to:

  1. Prepare students to function professionally as computer scientists and software engineers.
  2. Prepare students for graduate studies in computer science and related disciplines.
  3. Develop in students critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  4. Prepare students to assume responsible positions in society.
  5. Prepare students for life-long learning.
  6. Foster in students a sense of ethical behavior and respect for diversity.

Objectives

The objectives established by the WPI Computer Science Program in support of its goals and mission are to graduate students with a Computer Science major who:

  1. Are prepared technically for computer science and software engineering practice.
  2. Understand the basic principles of computer science and software engineering.
  3. Understand appropriate mathematical concepts and are able to apply them to computational problems.
  4. Have knowledge of computer hardware and architecture.
  5. Understand and follow the software engineering process.
  6. Are prepared to design and implement software systems.
  7. Are prepared to analyze and evaluate software systems.
  8. Understand fundamental scientific principles and the scientific method.
  9. Can function effectively in diverse teams and situations.
  10. Can communicate effectively in speech and in writing.
  11. Are able to learn independently and find relevant resources.
  12. Are prepared for future changes in computer science and software engineering.
  13. Are prepared to uphold professional and ethical standards.
  14. Understand and appreciate the role of computer science and software engineering in a societal context.
  15. Are aware of career and further educational opportunities.
  16. Have a mature understanding of themselves and others.

Outcomes

Based on the above objectives, the specific outcomes to be achieved for the WPI Computer Science major are that:

  1. All students will demonstrate an understanding of programming language concepts.
  2. All students will demonstrate knowledge of computer organization.
  3. All students will demonstrate an ability to analyze the behavior of computational systems.
  4. All students will demonstrate knowledge of computer operating systems.
  5. All students will demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of computer science.
  6. Almost all students will demonstrate an understanding of software engineering principles and the ability to apply them to software design.
  7. A majority of students will demonstrate an understanding of human-computer interaction.
  8. All students will complete a large-scale software project.
  9. All students will demonstrate advanced knowledge of computer science topics.
  10. All students will demonstrate an understanding of the mathematical foundations of computer science.
  11. All students will demonstrate knowledge of probability or statistics.
  12. All students will demonstrate an understanding of scientific principles.
  13. A majority of students will demonstrate the ability to design experiments and interpret experimental data.
  14. All students will demonstrate independent learning.
  15. All students will demonstrate the ability to locate and use technical information from multiple sources.
  16. All students will demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics.
  17. All students will demonstrate an understanding of the links between technology and society.
  18. A majority of students will belong to at least one professional organization, including IEEE, ACM, and UPE.
  19. All students will participate in a class or project team.
  20. Almost all students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in speech.
  21. All students will demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing.
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Last modified: October 22, 2007 11:44:54